igure in his glittering uniform, sitting squarely on his big
bay charger. No suspicion crossed his thoughts that Rallywood was
probably taking his last ride through the sunny streets, that at every
stride of his high-stepping horse he drew nearer to the final scene of
all. He had gathered from Rallywood's bearing that the difficulties in
his path had somehow been surmounted. Rallywood was capable. He had won
the day by energy or pluck or both, but the old diplomatist had no time
at the moment to trouble his head as to the exact means.

Before the forenoon was over Counsellor, acting through the proper
channels, secured Maasau's acceptance of the British proposals, and a
satisfactory undertaking which excluded all rivals from the field, at
any rate during the Duke's lifetime. Counsellor did not appear in the
negotiations. He remained shut up at the Legation, but when at length
they came to public knowledge the German party were not under any
delusion; they recognised to whose direct offices they owed defeat.

Baron von Elmur said nothing, as a matter of fact he did nothing, but
he used his influence with an effect that was yet to bear fruit. He was
inclined to suspect Selpdorf, but the Chancellor proved that he had only
carried out the German's own suggestion in sending Rallywood to the
Frontier. Ill-luck, he argued, combined with Sagan's blundering, had
done the rest. He deplored it. It was clear that Rallywood, taking
advantage of his position, and under pretence of carrying the despatches
to the Chancellor had simply gone to Revonde and wired to Unziar a false
order of release for Major Counsellor. The sole delinquent was
Rallywood, and the Count in a torrent of curses promised himself a time
of reckoning.

The day, which had begun in a brief burst of sunshine, closed in clouds.
Evening climbed sullenly up out of the bleak river.

Traffic died in the streets, and the cloaked troopers passing hither and
thither against the rising tsa became the chief objects to be seen as
night gathered.

Rallywood stood at the side window of his quarters looking out over the
twinkling city. He seemed to have had as yet no time for regret or
gloomy anticipation. He had dwelt absorbed on the single fact that
Valerie loved him. He was ready to sacrifice himself and his hopes with
a smile. Later on, in sorrow and heaviness of heart, he accused himself
bitterly of spoiling Valerie's young life. But he had not reached that
stage yet; h